Variation in Distress among Infertile Women: Evidence from a Population-Based Sample

Arthur Greil, Alfred University
Julia McQuillan, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Karina M. Shreffler, Oklahoma State University

We examine variations in fertility-specific distress (FSD) and general distress by variations in infertility experiences in a nation-wide probability sample of U.S. women. We compare infertile women who have had a prior pregnancy (secondary infertility) to infertile women with no prior pregnancies (primary infertility). We also compare women who were actually “trying” to become pregnant (the infertile with intent) to those who did not describe themselves as trying to become pregnant (the infertile without intent). Multiple regression analysis reveals that type of infertility (primary vs. secondary) and pregnancy intent are significantly related to FSD. These relationships remain when other relevant variables are controlled. “Primary with intent” women stand out as a particularly distressed group. General distress does not vary by infertility type or pregnancy intent. This suggests that measures of fertility-specific distress are more sensitive to variations in the experience of infertility than measures of general distress.